Vitamin A deficiency in communities of the State of S. Paulo, Brazil

Abstract

Eleven communities of the State of S. Paulo, Brazil, were surveyed for vitamin A deficiency, through food consumption survey, clinical survey and biochemical survey. The food consumption survey showed very low consumption of vitamin A rich foods, both animal and vegetable. The biochemical survey showed high prevalence of low and deficient plasma levels of vitamin A (ICNND classification). The clinical survey showed low prevalence rates for ocular lesions, specially the more severe ones. Although neither blindness nor severe ocular lesions are a Public Health problem the majority of populations are at risk of such lesions becoming a problem in the future.